Cost of Living in Kansas City, MO
Population 508,233 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kansas City offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $227,000 — costs less than 3.4 times median household income of $67,449, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kansas City
The median home value in Kansas City is $227,000 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,186/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,449/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. The climate averages highs of 66.4°F and lows of 47.5°F, with about 11" of annual snowfall. Overall, Kansas City has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 45 | 57 | 67 | 76 | 86 | 90 | 89 | 80 | 68 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 22 | 26 | 36 | 46 | 57 | 67 | 72 | 70 | 61 | 49 | 36 | 27 |
| Precip" | 1.02 | 1.53 | 2.08 | 3.89 | 5.10 | 5.33 | 4.38 | 4.68 | 3.78 | 3.24 | 1.80 | 1.30 |
| Snow" | 3.4 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 3.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kansas City, MO?
The median gross rent in Kansas City is $1,186 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kansas City?
The median home value in Kansas City is $227,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kansas City?
The median household income in Kansas City is $67,449 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kansas City, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kansas City is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Kansas City, MO affordable?
Yes, Kansas City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kansas City?
Kansas City has average high temperatures of 66.4°F and average lows of 47.5°F. Annual precipitation is 38.1". Average annual snowfall is 11". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kansas City at a Glance
- Population
- 508,233
- Median Income
- $67,449
- Home Value
- $227,000
- Median Rent
- $1,186/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
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